Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and the Chicago Blackhawks will do battle against Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in an East-West tilt. WGN Channel 9 will showcase the matchup, and the action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 21.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Washington Capitals Odds
Washington is 10-10 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.1 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a noticeable slide from what the team recorded during last year’s regular season (49-33). Among its 20 games this season, 11 have gone over the total, while eight have gone under and just one has pushed. The team’s 5-5 SU at home this year.
The Capitals have connected on 29.7 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s good enough for fourth-best in the league. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 28th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 73.3 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 27.4 saves per game with a .906 save percentage, Braden Holtby (6-8-3) has been the top goalkeeper for the Caps this year. If the Caps, however, choose to give him a breather, head coach Todd Reirden may roll with Pheonix Copley (5-3-3 record, .899 save percentage, 3.07 goals against average).
In the other locker room, Chicago is 8-13 straight up (SU) and has lost 5.7 units for bettors taking the moneyline thus far. A total of 11 of its games have gone under the total, while 10 have gone over and none have pushed. The Blackhawks are 3-7 SU as the road team this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 14.1 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that places them in the bottom-five overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 27th overall and it’s successfully defended 74.1 percent of all opponent power plays.
Corey Crawford (28.8 saves per game) has been the primary choice in goal for Chicago. Crawford has five wins, seven losses, and one OT loss to his credit, while registering a .922 save percentage and 2.44 goals against average this year.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Washington Capitals Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The total has gone under in each of Chicago’s last five games.
- Chicago has attempted 32.4 shots per game overall this season (ranked 12th in the NHL), and 29.8 in its last five road outings.
- Five of Chicago’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-4 in those games.
- The Capitals this season have registered the 10th-most hits per game in the NHL (22.9).
